Funding for the Regional Bike Route Network
The NSW Liberal Party has committed $330 million to the development of bike route network (over the next 5 years) while the Labor Party has promised $412 million for ‘active transport’ projects (over the next 5 years).
Will you lobby to ensure that the higher of these two commitments are actually delivered in the next term of government?
BIKEast’s priorities include the development of an Inner Sydney Regional Cycle network and similar initiatives aligned with the State Government’s Sydney Cycling Future and Greater Sydney Commission’s Green Grid to improve regional route connectivity.
Do you support the development of this network and, specifically, can you assure us that you will lobby for the following projects in the next term of government?
- Construction of a high-standard, protected cycleway along Doncaster Ave and Houston Rd between Centennial Park (Alison Rd) and Kingsford (Gardners Rd).
- Construction of a high-standard, protected cycleway along Campbell Rd and across Alexandra Canal to Bourke Rd in accordance with Westconnex conditions of consent.
- Construction of a high-standard, protected cycleway along Todman Ave / Lenthal St, between Kensington (Doncaster Ave) and Rosebery (Link Rd and O’Dea Ave)
- Upgrades to the existing Coward St bike route in association with local RMS projects.
- Further planning/consultation for extension of the Wentworth Ave bike route between Dransfield Ave and Joyce Drv – for construction in association with Westconnex.
- Initiation of planning for a high-standard, protected cycleway along Maloney St between Rosebery (Harcourt Pde) and Mascot (King St).
Will you lobby for funding to support the Safe-Streets Neighbourhood approach and similar strategies to encourage active travel in your electorate?
Will you lobby for funding to support strategies to encourage more children to walk and ride to school?
Candidate responses
Michael Dello-Iacovo (Animal Justice)
Hi Yvonne, thank you for your email.
Chris Ryan (Keep Sydney Open)
I apologise for the delay in getting this back to you, but I wanted to thank you for reaching out from BIKEast. I appreciate you asking about Keep Sydney Open policy on cycling in the Heffron district.
I would like to reaffirm the response you received from Rowan Kos, the candidate for Maroubra, Keep Sydney Open is about and Open and Honest Sydney.
Regarding the particular cycle ways proposed by BIKEast, Keep Sydney Open would work with local councils, experts and cyclists to work with the government in power to have the best solution delivered for the community. Our transport strategy is being developed in greater detail but I would advocate for a smart, open approach that has to include a greater focus on cycle ways for Heffron. The added benefits of increased public health, better traffic management and greater sustainability, would make Sydney a more liveable city and enhance the street appeal of our community.
We are pro Safe Streets and Bicycle Education, I would lobby the government of the day to make honest and fair choices with a large young population it is essential that we open up our neighbourhood to everyone.
Thank you for being in contact and giving us the opportunity to contribute, with Keep Sydney Open we will be the voice to hold the government accountable and open up our great city.
Regards,
Chris Ryan
Candidate for Heffron
Keep Sydney Open
Kym Chapple (Greens)
Thank you for these questions and the powerful work your organisation has done to
ensure provision of safe cycleways is a key election priority across Sydney. Cyclists
and pedestrians have powerful advocates with your organisation.
Funding for the Regional Bike Route Network
The Greens would invest over $1 billion on cycling infrastructure and to promote it as
a means of reducing carbon emissions as well as improving public health and the
amenity of our suburbs. Investment in cycling networks have direct financial benefits
for local communities who can cycle instead of drive or take public transport, have
amenity and environmental benefits, as well as providing savings in health and other
transport spending
Funding commitments must also be supported by a commitment to delivering cycling
infrastructure and keeping this as a key priority, not merely as an afterthought of
roads or other projects. The cycling community has real reasons to be suspicious
about commitments to cycling after the destruction by the NSW Liberal National
Government of the College Street Cycleway.
Our platform would make active transport infrastructure mandatory in all major new
road and transport projects, and would require a percentage of developer
contributions be directed towards cycling and walking infrastructure
Inner Sydney Regional Cycle network and similar initiatives aligned with the
State Government’s Sydney Cycling Future and Greater Sydney Commission’s
Green Grid to improve regional route connectivity.
The Greens fully support integrated planning for a safe, connected and
comprehensive cycling network across Sydney to help us get where we need to be.
These routes would form important parts of this network and would open up the
cross routes between Coogee/Clovelly and Zetland/East Village, and then Rosebery
across into Sydenham. I understand the North South routes are already under
construction by Randwick City Council.
Protected bike paths and increasing cycling activity are priorities for the Greens
NSW across NSW, not just in Heffron.
Safe Street Neighbourhoods & Funding for Active Travel Strategies
The Greens approach to developing cycling in NSW is consistent with the
Safe-Streets Neighbourhoods approach and we would work with groups like BIKEast
and the local communities to deliver strategies that increase cycling participation.
In addition we will campaign for improved motorist education and police enforcement
to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe.
Will you lobby for funding to support strategies to encourage more children to
walk and ride to school?
Yes. We would also support funding to ensure schools and other educational
institutions have end-of-trip facilities and bike parking to make this as simple and
secure as possible. We will continue to campaign for statewide behaviour change
education programs to increase uptake of cycling and walking.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond, if you have any further questions please
let me know at heffron@nsw.greens.org.au
Kind regards,
Kym Chapple
